Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and all cellular mobile operators commercially launched an automated procedure for sale of mobile SIMs on Tuesday. According to the details, the framework for the new system, was jointly signed on January 19 and has been implemented as per agreed deadlines. As per the new system, the subscribers' documentation will be maintained electronically and pre-sale would be automated thereby linking it with already automated post-sale procedure called 789.
As per the new procedure, only original CNIC will be required to be presented at any registered sale point to buy a new SIM along-with terms & conditions document in the SIM jacket.
The new system shall not only help eliminate the misuse of CNIC's copy, but also facilitate in keeping authentic record of SIMs sale thereby enabling track of sale channels in case of any misuse. Moreover, transition of existing Cellular Subscriber Agreement Form (CSAF) to e-CSAF will help maintain an authentic subscribers' database.
Chairman PTA Dr Muhammad Yaseen was informed by mobile companies that under the new procedure all authorised franchisees and retailers have been given a unique identification and only authorized sellers shall be allowed to sale the SIM. The sale has been automated to track which SIM has been sold by which particular sale channel to ensure accountability. It was also informed that since its commercial launch on April 1, about 40,000 verification requests have been rejected due to new security checks in the system. He congratulated all stakeholders on reaching this milestone and hoped that the new system will further strengthen the processes of SIM verification.-PR